Last updated: August 31, 2025
In May, New Plymouth experiences a mild yet dynamic climate, with maximum temperatures reaching up to 19°C (66°F) and an average of 14°C (58°F), while the mercury dips to a minimum of 9°C (48°F). This period is characterized by considerable precipitation, amassing 195 mm (7.7 in) over 14 days, making umbrellas an essential accessory. Additionally, the humidity levels hover around 81%, adding a touch of moisture to the crisp autumn air, creating a unique atmosphere perfect for exploring the vibrant beauty of the region.
As May arrives in New Plymouth, New Zealand, the temperatures begin to cool, reflecting the transition into winter. With minimums settling at 9°C (48°F) and averages hovering around 14°C (58°F), the city experiences a crispness in the air that invites cozy layers and warm beverages. The maximum temperature reaches a comfortable 19°C (66°F), creating the perfect backdrop for enjoying the beautiful landscapes and vibrant autumn colors. This month marks a notable shift compared to the warmer preceding months, with April's averages peaking at 16°C (61°F). As the days get shorter and the nights cooler, May provides a refreshing reminder of nature's cyclical beauty in New Plymouth.
May in New Plymouth, New Zealand, brings a notable 195 mm (7.7 in) of precipitation, reflecting a substantial continuation of the wetter trend observed since the onset of autumn. With 14 days of rainfall, May maintains the same frequency as the preceding month, yet shows a decrease compared to the more intense April, which recorded 207 mm (8.1 in) over just 14 days. This pattern of fluctuating rainfall culminates in a series of months leading into mid-year characterized by robust precipitation, greatly influenced by the looming winter months. Overall, May stands as a relatively wet month, nestled between April's peak and the tapering rains of June, showcasing New Plymouth’s dynamic climate and its rich, verdant surroundings.
May in New Plymouth, New Zealand, brings a notable increase in humidity, rising to 81%, a peak that reflects the transition from autumn to winter. This month stands out not only for its slightly higher humidity compared to April’s 76%, but also for continuing the upward trend seen from the sunny days of summer, where January and February hovered around 79% and 77%, respectively. As the year progresses, the humidity further escalates, reaching its maximum in July at 84%. This gradual increase suggests that while May may still feel relatively comfortable, it is a vivid reminder of the damp chill that is characteristic of New Plymouth's winter months ahead.
As we transition into May in New Plymouth, the UV Index shows a noticeable decline, averaging 4 and categorized as moderate. This drop from the extreme indices seen in the peak summer months, like January and February, signals a gentler sun, allowing for a burn time of approximately 30 minutes. Although still important to be cautious, this reduced UV level from the preceding months makes outdoor activities more enjoyable without the intense risk of sunburn. It's a perfect reminder that UV exposure varies seasonally, and one should always stay informed. For more detailed information, check out New Plymouth UV Index.
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In New Plymouth, the sunshine hours in May signal the gradual shift towards winter, with 208 hours of sunlight marking a notable dip from the spring and summer months. After basking in the glow of 310 hours in November and 338 hours in December, the city experiences a transient decline, culminating in the cooler months where June sees the least sunlight at 180 hours. This trend reflects the changing seasons, as the region transitions from the long, bright days of summer to the more subdued light of winter. Despite this decrease, May still captures a remarkable amount of sunshine, offering a gentle and refreshing close to autumn, before winter's embrace takes hold.
May in New Plymouth, New Zealand, sees a notable decline in sunny weather, with the chance of sunshine dropping to 41%. This decrease continues a downward trend from the sunnier summer months of January and February, which enjoy probabilities of 53% and 47%, respectively. As autumn sets in, the likelihood of sun gradually diminishes, reaching 39% by June, suggesting that May is part of a transition into winter gloom. Overall, those planning outdoor activities should be prepared for a mix of weather as the year progresses towards the cooler months.
In New Plymouth, New Zealand, daylight duration exhibits a captivating seasonal rhythm. Starting with 14 hours of daylight in January, the days gradually shorten, reaching 9 hours by May, which marks the onset of winter. This brevity persists through June and July, where daylight remains at 9 hours. As winter gives way to spring, daylight begins to extend, peaking again at 14 hours by December. Notably, the transition from summer to winter and back features a smooth flow, with each month contributing to a rich tapestry of light that enhances the natural beauty of the region. The consistent pattern of longer days in the warmer months and shorter days in the colder months underscores New Plymouth's dynamic climatic character.
As the calendar turns to May in New Plymouth, New Zealand, residents can expect an invigorating increase in winds, with average speeds reaching 6.4 m/s (14 mph)—the highest for the month. This trend of rising winds continues into late autumn, contrasting with the lull of summer's gentle breezes, which average around 5.0 m/s (11 mph) in January. The transitional months show a noticeable uptick in wind strength, culminating in June and July, where speeds peak at 6.6 m/s (15 mph). Overall, May serves as a harbinger of the brisk winds to come, providing both a refreshing atmosphere and a hint of the robust winter gales that await.
Weather in New Plymouth varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares May’s weather to other months in New Plymouth, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
In comparing the weather of May and January, it is evident that May experiences cooler temperatures, with an average of 14°C (58°F), compared to January's warmer average of 18°C (65°F). While January enjoys higher maximum temperatures reaching up to 24°C (75°F), May's max is a more modest 19°C (66°F). Precipitation levels also differ significantly; May sees 195 mm (7.7 in) of rainfall over 14 days, whereas January has less rain, with 94 mm (3.7 in) over just 9 days. Despite the difference in precipitation, humidity remains relatively similar, with May at 81% and January at 79%. For more detailed information, you can check the New Plymouth weather in January.
In comparing the weather between May and February, we notice a distinct shift in temperature and precipitation. February boasts a milder climate with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 13°C (55°F) to a maximum of 24°C (75°F), providing a pleasant warmth. In contrast, May tends to be cooler, with temperatures varying from a minimum of 9°C (48°F) to a maximum of 19°C (66°F). Additionally, February experiences less precipitation, totaling 95 mm (3.7 in) over just 10 days, while May sees significantly more rainfall at 195 mm (7.7 in) across 14 days. Humidity levels are slightly higher in May at 81%, compared to February’s 77%. For more detailed information, check New Plymouth weather in February.
In comparing the weather between March and May, we see some notable differences. March tends to be warmer, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 13°C (55°F) to a maximum of 22°C (72°F), while May's temperatures are cooler, with a minimum of 9°C (48°F), an average of 14°C (58°F), and a maximum of 19°C (66°F). Additionally, March experiences slightly less precipitation at 160 mm (6.3 in) over 12 days compared to May’s 195 mm (7.7 in) over 14 days. Humidity levels are also higher in May at 81%, compared to 75% in March. For more information on March weather, visit New Plymouth weather in March.
In comparing the weather of April and May, we see that both months exhibit relatively mild temperatures, though April tends to be slightly warmer overall. April boasts an average temperature of 16°C (61°F) and reaches a maximum of 21°C (70°F), compared to May's average of 14°C (58°F) and maximum of 19°C (66°F). Both months receive significant rainfall, with April averaging 207 mm (8.1 in) and May slightly less at 195 mm (7.7 in), although the number of rainy days remains the same at 14. Humidity is marginally higher in May at 81%, compared to 76% in April. For more detailed insights into April weather, you can refer to New Plymouth weather in April.
In May, temperatures in New Plymouth range from a minimum of 9°C (48°F) to a maximum of 19°C (66°F), with an average temperature of 14°C (58°F). The month experiences considerable rainfall, totaling 195 mm (7.7 in) over 14 days, with a humidity level of 81%. In contrast, June sees slightly cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 8°C (46°F), an average of 13°C (55°F), and a maximum of 17°C (63°F). Rainfall decreases to 155 mm (6.1 in) across the same number of rainy days, although humidity rises to 83%. For more detailed information on June weather, you can visit New Plymouth weather in June.
May typically features milder temperatures, with an average of 14°C (58°F) and a maximum of 19°C (66°F), making it relatively warmer than July, which boasts an average of just 12°C (54°F) and a maximum of 16°C (60°F). However, July sees more precipitation, totaling 224 mm (8.8 in) over 18 days, compared to May's 195 mm (7.7 in) across 14 days, indicating a wetter and more humid atmosphere, with humidity levels rising slightly from 81% in May to 84% in July. For a detailed overview of the conditions in July, you can visit New Plymouth weather in July.
In May, the weather tends to be milder with an average temperature of 14°C (58°F), peaking at a maximum of 19°C (66°F). The month experiences significant rainfall, with 195 mm (7.7 in) spread over 14 days, creating a fairly humid environment at 81%. In contrast, August sees slightly cooler conditions, with an average temperature of 12°C (53°F) and a maximum of 15°C (59°F). Precipitation increases marginally to 214 mm (8.4 in) over 19 days, maintaining the same level of humidity at 81%. For more insights, you can explore New Plymouth weather in August.
In May, the weather is generally milder, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 9°C (48°F) to a maximum of 19°C (66°F). The month experiences higher precipitation levels, totaling 195 mm (7.7 in) over approximately 14 days, accompanied by a humidity level of 81%. In contrast, September sees cooler temperatures, with averages between 7°C (45°F) and 16°C (62°F). Although the total precipitation is slightly lower at 173 mm (6.8 in), it occurs over 17 days, with humidity remaining similar at 80%. For more detailed information, you can check New Plymouth weather in September.
May and October present notable differences in weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 9°C (48°F) to a maximum of 19°C (66°F), with an average of 14°C (58°F). This month experiences higher precipitation levels, totaling 195 mm (7.7 in) over about 14 days, contributing to an overall humidity of 81%. In contrast, October sees slightly cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 8°C (46°F), an average of 13°C (56°F), and a maximum of 17°C (62°F). Precipitation in October is lower at 141 mm (5.6 in), yet it is spread over 16 days, bringing the humidity up to 82%. For a more detailed view of October weather, you can visit New Plymouth weather in October.
In comparing the weather of May and November, we notice some subtle yet significant differences. May features a slightly lower average temperature, with a min of 9°C (48°F) and a max of 19°C (66°F), while November enjoys a slightly warmer range, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 10°C (51°F) to a maximum of 20°C (68°F). Precipitation levels are higher in May, reaching 195 mm (7.7 in) over 14 days, compared to November's 139 mm (5.5 in) across just 13 days. Humidity remains fairly consistent between the two months, with May at 81% and November at 82%. For more localized insights, you can explore New Plymouth weather in November.
May and December in New Plymouth exhibit some distinct weather characteristics. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 9°C (48°F) to a maximum of 19°C (66°F), with an average of 14°C (58°F). The month is relatively wet, receiving 195 mm (7.7 in) of precipitation over 14 days and maintaining a high humidity of 81%. In contrast, December offers slightly warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 11°C (52°F), an average of 17°C (63°F), and a maximum of 22°C (72°F). Precipitation decreases slightly to 180 mm (7.1 in) over the same number of rainy days, and humidity remains comparable at 80%. Overall, while both months experience significant rainfall, December is characterized by milder temperatures and slightly less precipitation. For more detailed information, you can check New Plymouth weather in December.
As May settles in, New Plymouth experiences a distinct shift in weather compared to the preceding months. With cooler temperatures averaging around 14°C and a notable increase in humidity at 81%, the city starts to embrace the crispness of autumn. Rain becomes more frequent, with approximately 195 mm of precipitation spread over 14 days, which is a significant uptick compared to earlier months. This combination of cooler air and heightened moisture creates a refreshing but wet atmosphere, perfect for those who appreciate the charm of New Zealand's fall foliage. For more details on weather patterns throughout the year, visit New Plymouth Climate.